Ibn Battuta- Explorer

“Those braving the greatest risk receive the greatest reward.”

Lists of famous travelers will often include the likes of: Kerouac, Cortez, Magellan, Captain Cook, Marco Polo, Lewis and Clark, Columbus, and Armstrong. Arguably the greatest of these and one frequently left out... Ibn Batutta. 

Ibn Battuta traveled the world for 30 years and wrote his experiences in his journal which is said to be one of the greatest travel journals ever recorded. His adventures spanned from 1325-1355 and took him over 75,000 miles reaching what today would be 40 different countries. 

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"Traveling- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller"

Ibn Battuta was a 22 year old law student in the year 1325. He left his home and family in Morocco to begin his pilgrimage to Mecca. Along the way he married a young woman (this would become a theme for the rest of his travels. The grand total is unknown). Upon arriving at Mecca, he decided against going back home and instead he and his camel headed east... and kept going.  

After walking, sailing and riding across Africa, China, India and the rest of the known muslim world, he returned back home to Morocco. He had traveled for 30 years and arrived back just months after the passing of his mother to bubonic plague. 

"I have indeed – praise be to God – attained my desire in this world, which was to travel through the earth..."

While in Morocco, he dictated his travels to a scribe that compiled his story into a book called, “Tuhfat al-anzar fi gharaaib al-amsar wa ajaaib al-asfar” (A gift to those who contemplate the wonders of cities and the marvels of traveling) or “Ibn Battuta’s Rihla”. In it he recalls meeting over 60 rulers in Asia and Africa, encounters with cannibals, near death experiences by thieves and royalty and numerous examples of the kindness he met while on the trail. 

Here are some links to learn more about fellow Highway Walker, Ibn Battuta. 
The World of Ibn Battuta 
His Book
Ibn Battuta Wiki
Map of his travels
Life Story

"Never travel any road a second time."

Safe Travels.